took sons shooting this weekend. ran a 25 round clip thru a 15-22 and flawless. when next clip inserted and charging handle pulled, somehow the bolt got stuck in a back position. took me a few minutes to realize whats up..not really sure how i fixed it. just removed bolt and was looking at spring and everything when bolt went forward. ran thereafter.. so what did we do to cause this and is this common. thanks in advance

It almost sounds like the bolt release mechanism was pushed in; this keeps the bolt from closing - ie, 'stuck'. The only other reason a bolt would be 'stuck' is from a jam (spent shell casing that didn't properly eject [failure to eject = FTE], or the next round did not feed properly [failure to feed = FTF])

Note, the bolt should automatically be held open when the last round in the magazine is fired. This is called 'Bolt Hold Open'. When this occurs, you do not need to use the charging handle to load the next round (although you can), but rather, depress the bolt release (left hand side of firearm) once the new magazine has been inserted.

great info.there was a ftf. used a small screwdriver to remove. now i am sure the bolt sticking was result of the jam. this forum will be great source of info..thanks...will update profile with pics soon

been having trouble with bolt getting stuck in open position.cleaned n wiped down and took outside. stuck open again. took bolt out and removed spring and rod on bolt assemble. could see on top of bolt a scratch pattern where rod hitting topend of bolt. inspecting rod and there was a curve in rod. are they suppose to be straight or slightly bent?if bent where are we getting new ones?

Cleaned mine just now and the rod on top of my bolt is straight as a ruler.
Back to Smith and Wesson for warranty repair.

well good to know. that will be root of my problem. thanks

Sent my back three times to S&W, did not fix bolt staying open after last shot, need to pull back on charging handle to close bolt. Read i need to cut spring down should correct problem, we will see.

Could just try pressing the bolt release lever when a fresh mag is inserted.